Johannes Zillinger is a natural wine producer in the Weinviertel, Niederösterreich (northeast Austria, near the borders with Slovakia and the Czech Republic). Farming is certified organic and certified biodynamic. 'Velue' (VEH-loo-eh) is the old name of the Zillinger family’s village (Velm-Götzendorf) as well as of the willow trees that grow by the river. The grüner veltliner is from 35-year-old vines growing in limestone and sandstone soils. Winemaking is decidedly low-intervervention: The wine ferments spontaneously and ages mostly in stainless steel tanks along with a smaller portion in some big, old wooden barrels. Then it’s bottled unfined and unfiltered and with a very low addition of sulfites. It has classic grüner veltliner aromas of citrus and herbs, with plenty of acidity and lively tension on the palate. 12% alcohol. Drink it with all the green things of spring: asparagus, peas, favas, green beans, or basil pesto.
